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HIV virus is found in the blood, semen, or vaginal fluid of an infected person. HIV is spread through the following ways:

Having unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, oral) with an infected person

Sharing needles or syringes with someone who is infected with HIV virus

Through an infected mother transmitting HIV to her infant during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding

Blood transfusions (In North America donated blood is always checked for HIV. So chances of getting it from blood transfusion are very, very low)

HIV is not spread through causal contacts such as hugging, casual kissing, shaking hands, sitting next to an infected person, sharing eating utensils, sharing food or drinks. Also HIV is not spread via mosquito bites, toilet seats, or donating blood.